Annan placed human rights at UN core: Venaani

20 Aug 2018 08:30am

WINDHOEK, 20 AUG (NAMPA)  The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, on Sunday described the late Kofi Annan as a global statesman who dedicated his life to human rights, placing them at the core of the United Nations (UN)s mission.
Former Secretary-General of the UN, Annan died on Saturday at the age of 80 years in a Swiss hospital.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Venaani joined the rest of the world in paying tribute to the first sub-Saharan African to lead the UN.
Mr Annan, an African in every sense of the word, will be remembered for revitalising the UN and putting human rights at the core of its mission, Venaani said, adding that Annan held the reins of the UN during some of the most difficult times in human history.
He managed to craft a global reputation as a fighter for a fairer and more peaceful world. Even through some of the most challenging times in the worlds history, Annan showed humanity what black Africans are capable of in terms of showing excellence and making a difference.
Venaani said Annan will forever remain a symbol of an Africa rising in the global community, noting that he will be remembered as the architect and midwife of the worlds developmental targets, the Millennium Developmental Goals.
On the personal traits that Annan possessed, the PDM leader singled out the formers ability to criticise himself.
Rather than shirking from responsibilities, he was his own worst critic, and when it was of the utmost importance, he stood up to global powers including the United States, when they illegally invaded Iraq in 2003, Venaani stated.
He then described the former UN head as a great statesman from whom great lessons and inspiration can be drawn.
This son of Kumasi in southern Ghana has indeed left his mark upon the world.
As the leader of the official opposition, I wish to extend my heartfelt and deepest condolences to his wife Nane Marie, his son Kojo and his two daughters, Ama and Nina, Venaani noted.
(NAMPA)
MEM/PS/HP